I was recently reading my pathology report and it said Triple Negative Breast Cancer grade 9 (3+3+3) on the nottingham scale - my tumor was about 6cm but had not spread to any lymph nodes - what is grade 9?
Topics
-
anonymous
Family Member or Loved One
Hi Blair,
I was curious about your question and did a bit of research. Here is the best answer I came up with. It was given by:
Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:
The Nottingham histologic score is simply a scoring system to assess the "grade" of breast cancers.
It is a total score based on 3 different sub-scores. The 3 sub-scores are assigned based on 3 components of how the breast cancer cells look under a microscope. (The details of these 3 components are not critical for you to understand). Each of the 3 components is assigned a sub-score of 1, 2, or 3, with 1 being best and 3 being worst. Once the 3 sub-scores are added, a Nottingham score is obtained: the minimum score possible is 3 (1+1+1) and the maximum possible is 9 (3+3+3).
A histologic grade of III is assigned to any patient with a Nottingham score of 8 or 9. Grade I refers to Nottingham scores of 3, 4, and 5, while Grade II refers to Nottingham scores of 6 and 7.
In the end, the Nottingham score and histologic grades are not very useful in the big picture, as they do not alter final overall treatment recommendations. High-score cancers tend to relapse more often than low-score cancers. Ultimately, however, we don't use the score in making clinical decisions.
I hope that this helps clear up any confusion. I wish you the best.
3 -
anonymous
Survivor since 2010
Do you have a family history? If yes, I suggest genetic testing for the BRCA gene mutation.
0-
anonymous
Survivor since 2009
I lost my sign in information and just found it - Yes Sarah, I had the BRCA testing done and am BRCA negative. I also joined the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation's web site and have gotten more information and my path reports and...
over 1 year ago • FlagI lost my sign in information and just found it - Yes Sarah, I had the BRCA testing done and am BRCA negative. I also joined the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation's web site and have gotten more information and my path reports and understand them better now. Thanks so much
- Comment
-
Educational Video
Personal Story
Related Topics
Looking for another topic? Use the search box in the top right.
“ An Early Detection Plan (EDP) significantly increases the chances of surviving breast cancer. ”
spread the wordAbout Beyond The Shock®
Beyond The Shock is a comprehensive online guide to understanding breast cancer.
It is a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a place for loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease, and a tool for doctors to share information.
Beyond The Shock is a collaborative breast cancer guide created by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) with the support of the finest medical experts, doctors, and researchers in the world. NBCF utilized ground-breaking technology and the resources of the global medical community to create an accessible platform for understanding a diagnosis of breast cancer.
More Information
Terms of Service
|
Privacy Policy
|
Sitemap
|
Medical Disclaimer
Copyright © 2011 - BeyondTheShock.com ® . All Rights Reserved. BeyondTheShock.com ® is operated by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. , a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Oven Bits
anonymous
Survivor since 2009
thank you
about 2 years ago • Flaganonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Blair,
I also have triple-negative breast cancer. My tumor was about the size of yours. Most people I've talked to seem to have smaller ones. I've had chemo, and just finished radiation. I don't think anyone gave mine a score. I hope...
Blair,
I also have triple-negative breast cancer. My tumor was about the size of yours. Most people I've talked to seem to have smaller ones. I've had chemo, and just finished radiation. I don't think anyone gave mine a score. I hope everything goes well for you.
judy
anonymous
Survivor since 2011
My tumor was triple negative too. I had read about how it's more likely to recur, but things I read were from 2-3 years ago and a lot has changed since then. My doctors think its unlikely mine will come back based on how it kept shrinking from...
My tumor was triple negative too. I had read about how it's more likely to recur, but things I read were from 2-3 years ago and a lot has changed since then. My doctors think its unlikely mine will come back based on how it kept shrinking from chemo, then margins were clear after surgery and I'll have radiation soon. I guess my point is, every tumor is different, even those that are the rare triple neg.